Father of the Groom Duties Explained

It may feel like the father of the bride gets more of the spotlight on the big day – traditionally walking the bride down the aisle and giving a father of the bride speech. However, the father of the groom role is also a very important one.

If you are the father of the groom and want to know how you can give a helping hand on the big day and during the run up, take a look at some key father of the groom duties that will really help the happy couple.

READ MORE: What to Say in a Father of the Groom Speech

Before the Wedding

Offer Emotional Support

Image: SR Urwin

Don’t underestimate the value of being an emotional support during the wedding planning process. Your son is planning the biggest day of his life and that is bound to be stressful.

You can offer emotional support in a variety of ways – being there to talk to, giving your opinions (when asked!) or simply going out together for a walk or a trip to the pub to take his mind of the stresses of wedding planning.

Help Pay for the Wedding

Image: Ryan Lee Turton

Although it is tradition for the bride’s family to pay for the wedding, it’s a rare occurrence that the bride’s parents foot the entire bill for the big day. The most common option is for both sets of parents to contribute what they wish and then the couple pay the remaining amount.

If you would like to help out financially then tell your son and future daughter-in-law early on in the planning process so they can build it into their budget.

READ MORE: Parents Paying for the Wedding: Etiquette and Advice

Help Order the Suits

Image: Sally Rawlins

When the groom and the groomsmen are shopping for their suits, the father of the groom can tag along and get his own suit or tux sorted too.

A huge benefit of this is that if the wedding party is getting a discount, he’ll be eligible for the discount as well.

READ MORE: A Groom’s Guide to Buying a Wedding Suit

On the Wedding Day

Get Ready With Your Son

Image: Getty

If the groom invites you, it’s a lovely idea to hang out with him and the groomsmen on the morning of the wedding.

Whether they’re chilling out or playing a round of golf, it’ll be lovely to get involved, get some photographs and help him tie his tie!

Keep Everyone Calm

Image: Ivory Fayre Photography

On the morning of the wedding the bride, groom, father of the bride and best man may all be feeling a bit nervous.

As father of the groom you have the exciting role of being a part of the wedding party without any speeches or too much pressure, so as one of the more relaxed members of the bridal party make it your role to help keep everyone calm with words of encouragement – and be ready with the drinks if all else fails!

Help Greet the Guests

Image: Getty

It will be difficult for the happy couple to greet every single person at their wedding so make the effort to speak to lots of the wedding guests. As father of the groom you are basically a wedding celeb for the day and the other wedding guests will appreciate you giving them your time.

You may also be asked to stand in the receiving line on the way into the reception, if the bride and groom choose to have one. This is a lovely way to personally say ‘hello’ to everyone before they sit down to eat.

READ MORE: 47 Fun & Unique Table Name Ideas

Consider Offering to Give a Toast

Image: Unsplash

If the father of the bride is giving a traditional speech then you may not want to tread on his toes but there is certainly nothing wrong with offering to give a toast on the big day. If you would really like to say a few words on the wedding day then offer your public speaking services to the happy couple and if they are happy for you to make a short speech or toast on the day then go for it!

If your son is marrying a man then you might want to mix up the speech rules and both fathers of the groom give a speech. Talk to your son, his partner and his future in-laws to see what would work on the day. You may both do a separate father of the groom speech, one of you may simply give a toast or you might want to write something together.

Dance with the Bride and the Bride’s Mother

Image: Diana V Photography & Film

When the dancing begins make the effort to have at least one dance with the beautiful bride, it’s a lovely way to welcome her into your family and it will be a really special moment that you will both remember.

READ MORE: Mother of the Groom Duties Explained

Top Tips for the Father of the Groom

Image: Father of the Groom Card by Slice of Pie Designs

1. Offer to help. The father of the groom role is far less rigid than the father of the bride role, so you may need to actively offer your help so they couple realise you are happy and willing to help.

1. Don’t take offence. If you offer to make a speech or play a particular role in the wedding and your son says no, try not to take offence. There are lots of people to please and the couple may want to give important jobs to a few different people, it doesn’t make your place in the wedding party any less important.

1. Spend time with your son and future son or daughter-in-law in the run up to the wedding. Make some extra effort to spend time with the couple as they are planning their big day, they may be under stress that you didn’t realise and spending time in each other’s company will help you be more understanding and means they may be more likely to ask you for help.

1. Get to know the in-laws. If you don’t already know your son’s partner’s family then now would be a good time to get to know them. After the engagement, why not invite them for dinner or have a casual lunch meet-up in a pub or restaurant. You don’t have to be BFF’s but it will make everyone more relaxed on the big day if you already know each other well.

READ MORE: Thank You Gifts for the Father of the Groom

Now you know how to be the perfect father of the groom, take a look at some of our favourite romantic quotes that may be perfect for your toast.